EL PASO—In what's being called “the most ambitious and most exciting” student housing project in the nearly century-long history of the institution, University of Texas at El Paso officials unveiled plans for the campus' newest student housing community. The $23-million complex would serve as the first phase of what could become a 3,000-bed community with food service, recreation components and other resources, according to Greg McNicol, UTEP's associate vice president for business affairs – facilities management.

Still in the conceptual stages, Phase 1 would sit on 6.2 acres behind the Helen of Troy Softball Complex and will include two residence halls with 532 beds and a common building. It's scheduled to break ground within the next two weeks, with completion expected in time for the spring 2015 semester.

“The housing community is an essential building block for UTEP's strategic plan to increase the number of students who reside on campus, attract competitive doctoral students and enhance student involvement in the UTEP community,” says McNicol.

The 103,606-square-foot property will have 83 units, divided among one-bedroom efficiencies and four- and six-bed suites. Each unit will have a kitchen, living area and bathroom, with common spaces housing lobbies, lounges, study rooms and laundry facilities. A single-story management building will house a computer lab and conference room. Locally based Mijares-Mora Architects and KSQ Architects of Dallas designed the state-of-the-art property under a Bhutanese style.

According to UTEP president Diana Natalicio, the community is part of the school's Campus Transformation plan intended to help it become the first national research university with a Hispanic majority student demographic. It will be served by the Miner Metro Shuttles, with bike lanes planned along Sun Bowl Drive to and from the main campus.

UTEP currently has two housing complexes that accommodate 636 students, with a waiting list of about 200 students. The Campus Master Plan projects the University will provide 1,440 beds by 2015. Additional phases will be built as needed, state UTEP officials.

Instant Insights /

U of TX Plans New $23M Student Housing in El Paso

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